Collapsible utility trailer

ABSTRACT

A vehicular collapsible trailer comprising a platform ( 11 ) made of two longitudinal sections ( 28,30 ) hingely mounted about a third central section ( 20 ). Front and rear flanges ( 16, 22 ) abut against the longitudinal sections and maintain the platform in its load carrying position. Two flanges ( 64 A,  64 B) along the distal ends of the longitudinal sections abut against central section to provide a folded trapezoid stowage position. Suspension joints ( 52 ) are fixed about the exterior of the longitudinal section and collapsible arms ( 82, 84 ) joined to axle ( 66 ) facilitate the platforms progression to open and closed positions. A permanent hub ( 70 ) and wheel assembly is mounted to each axle.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/416563, filed 2002 Oct. 7^(th).

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

[0002] Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

[0003] Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION—FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention pertains generally to utility trailers, specifically to a collapsible integrant to provide better amenity when stored.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The American public as a whole has become an increasingly mobile society and given their affinity for personalized vehicular modes of travel via automobiles, trucks, and SUVs', the sight of additional cargo in tow by trailer is a common one. Many of these commercial utility trailer products assume a variety of dimensions, shapes, and carrying capacities as set by their manufacturers. Because of the conforming manner of their construction, the typical utility trailer is unable to break down easily for suitable storage; thus often necessitating considerable space when not in use. Alternatively, if the utility trailer is cached outdoors, prolonged exposure to the elements may subject the unit to consequential wear and tear in excess of manufacturer recommendations. Thus, there is a need for a collapsible integrant to be particularly applicable within the utility trailer to provide ease of convenience when preparing for storage; yet able to retain the qualities of durability and weight carrying capacity as the conventional utility trailer.

[0006] Collapsible trailers are known in the art and are typically formed with a bed comprised of one rear portion and one front portion.

[0007] The collapsible integrant of U.S. Pat. No. 5,607,176 to Leib and Thurm (1994) is capable of supporting great weights but is of limited portability when placed in its vertical, storing position. Secondly, this trailer although containing a support assembly to retain the unit in an upright position is somewhat burdensome when being placed in its storage position due to its high center of gravity. Consequently, the unit requires great care to disassemble for storage when not in use by the operator. Third, the trailer frame constructed, primarily for the transport of motorcycles, jet skis, and the like disassembles to the stowed size of approximately twenty-two inches deep and eighty inches high. These dimensions render the folded, stowed undesirable to the typical consumer.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 4,768,806 issued to Tetreault (1988) discloses a collapsible trailer having a platform comprised of two longitudinal sections, which fold against on another along a central axis. The procedure for folding and thus, storing the invention is initiated by the removal of a pin to fold the towing bar against its front flange. In addition, a complete removal of the front and rear panels, by the operator is essential in order that the trailer may be completely collapsed; then maneuvered back to a horizontal position on its wheels for storage.

[0009] Canadian patent 252,506 to Gleissner (1925) featured a collapsible trailer having a complex arrangement of multiple parts, thus substantially increasing the number of steps necessary to disassemble when not in use. Both wheel and axle are joined to the body of the trailer by a series of leaf springs and spring brackets, affixed by nuts and bolts. Thereafter, the removal of these nuts frees the springs from the axle to permit the folding of the trailer body. Subsequently, an operator must detach the axle from the trailer body, in order that the wheels may be folded flat to rest against the axle.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 4,362,316 issued to Wright features a folding trailer consisting of a load-bearing platform supported by a chassis. This platform again contains two sections; however, these sections cannot form the load bearing platform until the operator has folded the side boards inwardly by means of hinges. Conversely, additional effort on the part of the operator must be expended in order to attain the stowing position as well. The individual or individuals must apply additional weight, by standing on the trailer's draw bar as the folding operation takes place in order to create the required anticlockwise motion about the wheel axis in order that the trailer may be placed in the storage position.

[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 4,239,258 issued to Burris (1978) features an improved retractable fold-up trailer bed constructed in three sections extending transversely across the trailer. This unit provides a fairly large and weight capable trailer able to be folded for storage. However, the operator of the trailer is required to release a plurality of latches to retain the sections of the trailer bed in either folded or unfolded positions. In addition, since it is preferable that the center of gravity of the folded trailer be slightly forward the axis of the wheels; the tongue must be maneuvered and pinned by the operator so that the handle may be utilized to stabilize the stored trailer against a stationary wall, heavy object, or the like.

[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 5,340,134 issued to Dodson (1993) discloses a light duty trailer preferably utilized for all-terrain vehicles, which may be folded into a hand-carryable case when not in use. This applicant cites that this less relative prior art was fabricated by Dodson to address the above-noted deficiencies of the previous prior art by providing a relatively lightweight alternative to the somewhat unwieldy and bulky conventional utility trailer. Ideally the preferred towing vehicle is an all-terrain vehicle. It suffers from numerous disadvantages concerning weight carrying capacities and amenity for storage. This embodiment is comprised of a pair of pivoting bed members, pins, wheel assemblies, and their respective axles, all requiring considerable durational effort by the operator in order to assemble and thus, utilize the trailer. Conversely, the trailer may be disassembled to a closed, fully stowed position; yet requires a detachment of the first and second wheel assemblies, including their wheels and axles. Secondly, the bed of the trailer also serves as its stowed case, thereby requiring undue effort by the operator to detach the wheel assemblies, then, arrange their respective wheel assembly supports in an cooperative fashion in order create the carryall “handle” for manual carrying of the trailer. Thirdly, the classification of this unit as a light-duty trailer for ATVs and specifically its use of a mesh screen instead of a solid planar sheet of material for its first and second upper surfaces; accordingly render this embodiment inappropriate for the weight and cargo limits needed in an conventional utility trailer.

[0013] U.S Pat. No. 4,746,142 issued to Davis (1988) features a trailer, which may also be disassembled to a closed “suitcase” position. However, both its weight carrying capacities and ease of assembly to disassembly are finitely limited.

[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 3,781,030 granted to Ekedal (1972) devises a lightweight trailer that may be collapsed to occupy a minimum of space. However, the upturned channel members comprising the bed of this unit are designed with motorcycles being the featured cargo, severely limiting its usefulness as an all-purpose utility trailer. In addition, Ekedal's trailer, prior to collapsing the frame, requires that a plurality of bolts be removed in order that the end and side pieces may be pivoted to a collapsed position.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION—OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

[0015] Accordingly, besides the objects and advantages of the collapsible trailer depicted in the above patent, several objects and advantages of the present invention are:

[0016] (a) to provide a trailer that may be enclosed for storage whose dimensions will allow for manageable size.

[0017] (b) to provide a collapsible trailer whose bed is not restricted to specific cargo items.

[0018] (c) to provide a collapsible trailer whose towing vehicle is not restrained to a specific class.

[0019] (d) to provide a collapsible trailer whose bed is capable of sustaining great weights.

[0020] (e) to provide a trailer which is both portable in the stowed position and unoppressive when handled by its operator throughout the duration of the storage preparations.

[0021] (f) to provide a trailer, which may be classified as an all-purpose utility trailer yet, can be collapsed for storage.

[0022] (g) to provide a collapsible utility trailer whose production allows for a convenient and extremely rapid open position and closed positioning when employed by its operator.

[0023] (h) to provide a trailer which will not require a detachment or removal of various parts in order to attain the stowage position.

[0024] Further objects and advantages are to provide a collapsible utility trailer bed, which can be folded easily and conveniently without disarrangement of the bed, and devoid of substantial learning necessary on the part of the consumer. The present invention obviates the need to disassemble or rearrange the trailer, which contributes to its speed and general ease of use. Further objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description.

SUMMARY

[0025] In accordance with the present invention, a collapsible trailer comprising a platform having a first and second longitudinal section hingeably mounted to a third central section. The platform is pivotable between an open position, wherein the two longitudinal sections join the third in the same plane, and in a closed position wherein the platform is in a folded relation and the longitudinal sections retract vertically in a side-by-side fashion.

DRAWINGS—FIGURES

[0026] In the drawings, closely related figures have the same number but different alphabetic suffixes.

[0027]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the collapsible trailer constructed in accordance with the invention in the open position.

[0028]FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the collapsible trailer constructed in accordance with the invention in the closed position.

[0029]FIG. 3 is a frontal view of the axle assembly.

[0030]FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the axle assembly of the trailer according to the invention.

[0031]FIG. 5 is a partial exploded view of the axle assembly with arms in accordance with the invention.

[0032]FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of a hitch as coupled to the trailer according to the invention.

DRAWINGS—REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0033] 10. trailer 11. platform 12A. pin 12B. pin 13A. chain 13B. chain 16. front flange 18R. aperture 18L. aperture 20. central section 22. rear flange 24R. aperture 24L. aperture 26R. section hinge 26L. section hinge 28. right lateral section 28A. floor support 28B. floor support 30. left lateral section 30A. floor support 30B. floor support 32. support location 34. support location 36. support location 38. support location 44. support member 46. support member 48. outer side of right lateral section 50. outer side of left lateral section 52R. rotating suspension joint 52L rotating suspension joint 56. leaf spring 60. tubing 62A. front spring hanger 62B. rear spring hanger 64A. cylindrical flange 64B. cylindrical flange 66. axle 68. spring mounting bracket 70. hub 72. stationary section 74A. aperture 74B. aperture 75. point on arm 78. point on stationary section 80. kingpin 82. left arm 84. right arm 88. “L” shaped flange 90. aperture 92A. aperture 92B. aperture 94A. bolt 94B. bolt 96. aperture 98. central kingpin 100. rectangular flange 102. mounting bracket 104. aperture 106A. aperture 106B. aperture 108A. aperture 108B. aperture 110A. bolt 110B. bolt 112A. pulley 112B. mpulley 114. cable 116. winch 120. hitch 122. hinge

DETAILED DESCRIPTION—PREFERED EMBODIMENT

[0034] Referring to the Figures and in particular to FIG. 1, the trailer 10 comprises a platform 11 made up of a pair of longitudinal sections hingeably mounted about a third central section 20. Steel tubing may be employed for construction of the trailer sections and is the preferred material of the embodiment. A rear flange 22 is employed to hold the platform parallel during utility and is mounted horizontally to the distal end of the central section so that the ends of the flange may protrude past the width of the central section. Located at the frontal end of section 20 a right aperture 24R and a left aperture 24L permit the insertion of a corresponding set of pins 12A and 12B through a front flange 16 containing two additional corresponding apertures 18R and 18L. As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 6, the front flange is welded to a hitch 120 and is exercised to hold the hitch in an upright manner when a pair of pins 12A and 12B, affixed with corresponding standard chains 13A and 13B, attached to flange 16, are inserted through these corresponding apertures. Thus aiding in the action of retaining the platform substantially parallel in its load carrying position. In addition, a frontal hinge 122 is coupled by welding to both the hitch 120 and the proximal end of the central section 20. When the collapsible trailer is in the open (unfolded) position the flange 16 will reside atop central section 20 with this section disposed substantially between flange 16 and the hinge 122 as illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0035] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 6, and specifically to FIG. 2, a set of longitudinal lateral sections 28 and 30 are also constructed rectangularly of steel tubing and are considerably wider than the central section 20 within the preferred embodiment. A pair of section hinges 26R and 26L extends the length of the central section 20 and is affixed by welding thereby connecting sections 28 and 30 to section 20. Section hinges 26L and 26R are affixed in such a fashion that, when coupled, the lateral sections 28 and 30 will point downwardly at an angle curtailed of 180 degrees, thus facilitating an easier folding of the platform 11.

[0036]FIG. 1 illustrates a plan view of the collapsible trailer in the folded position. As shown, a pair of cylindrical flanges 64A and 64B are welded ventrally at the distal ends of the sections 28 and 30. These flanges are composed of standardized structural steel and are placed precisely adjacent to hinges 26L and 26R. As the trailer platform 11 collapses, the flanges 64A and 64B are unable to impede the movement of the hinges 26L and 26R but are able to procure a stopping point for sections 28 and 30, as flanges 64A and 64B, are abutting against central section 20.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 1 each lateral longitudinal section of the trailer is provided with a pair corresponding floor supports 28A, 28B, 30A, and 30B welded atop each section 28 and 30 at the locations 32, 34, 36, and 38. Flooring for this trailer bed is not considered to fall within the scope of this disclosure, however the choice would be left to the manufacturer of the device.

[0038] Referring again to FIG. 1 located at the distal ends of sections 28 and 30 a set of support members 44 and 46 are engaged to act as stops are welded to each interior corner externally to lie flush with the distal end of a rear flange 22. Thus, when the trailer is engaged it its utility position, members 44 and 46 act in consort with the rear flange 22 to stabilize the platform 11 in a parallel, load-bearing position.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 1, a dual set of rotating suspension joints 52R and 52L are illustrated regarding the trailer in its expanded configuration. Referring particularly to FIG.3, which is a frontal view of the axle assembly, illustrates that the joint is fashioned from a piece of steel tubing 60 that is disposed about the tubing of the lateral section 28, thus permitting rotational movement. At the outer sides of the lateral sections 48 and 50, the joints 52R and 52L are constructed to be fitted flush between the floor supports 28A, 28B, 30A, and 30B of each lateral section 28 and 30, as viewed in FIG. 1 of the instant invention. The suspension joints 52R and 52L in consort with the leaf springs 56 together make up a suspension means for the utility trailer.

[0040] As more particularly shown in FIG. 4, the axle is comprised of three sections: a hub 70, a stationary section 72, and a collapsible arm 84. The stationary section is comprised of a square hollow tube which in turn, a leaf spring 56 may be bracketed to the center of section 72. Secondly, the leaf spring 56 is then attached to tubing 60 via its respective spring hangers 62A and 62B. The basal location of the leaf spring 56 is then bolted by means of a standard mounting bracket 68 to the section 72. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the hub 70 and wheel suspension means, upon which the wheel (not shown) is to be bolted resides at the distal end of the stationary axle section 72. Directly upon area 78 at section 72 is a perpendicularly mounted kingpin 80, which in turn passes through 82, each include an identical aperture 86 at their distal ends and an additional pair of identical, smaller apertures 74A and 74B, located at point 75, respectively. The arms 84 and 82 are made up of suitably extending steel, each arm having a length approximately equal to two-thirds platform 11 width. It should be noted that the platform width is calculated by utilizing both sections 28 and 30 and the central section 20 combined. The distal ends of each arm 82 and 84 connect kingpin 80 within the stationary sections 72 and 73 by passing through an aperture 86. Each arm 82 and 84 have a bolted “L” shaped flange 88 containing an identical aperture 90 at their proximal ends and also have two smaller identical apertures 92A and 92B located at the base end of this flange 88.

[0041] Referring again to FIG. 5, the flange 88 is mounted by two varied means at two different locations. It is permanently coupled at the proximal end of the flange by utilizing a corresponding bolt pair 94A and 94B, which are inserted through apertures 74A and 74B, terminating through apertures 92A and 92B. Secondly, flange 88 is pivotally mounted at its distal end by first inserting kingpin 80 through aperture 86 then ending at aperture 90 located distally upon flange 88.

[0042] Located at the frontal end of the right arm 84, an aperture 96 permits the insertion of a central kingpin 98. This kingpin is mounted on a rectangular flange 100 projecting from the base of the left arm 82. In addition, a mounting bracket 102 comprised of solid metal contains an aperture 104 and pair of apertures smaller 106A and 106B as seen in FIG. 5. Aperture 104 receives the central kingpin 98 and thus bracket 102 affixes to the left arm 82 using bolts 110A and 110B through corresponding apertures 106A and 106B and finishing within apertures 108A and 108B located upon the frontal end of the left arm 82.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 3, which is a frontal view of axle assembly, the inventor has included a pair of pulleys 112A and 112B to be connected by welding at the interior hollow areas of each stationary axle section 72. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 a cable 114 is joined with a conventional winch 116 at its proximal end. Conversely, the cable is affixed to a stationary section 72 by means of an aperture 118, illustrated in FIG. 5, located at the distal end of the cable 114. The cable is then threaded through the pulleys in a standard “block and tackle” formation. Referring to FIG. 6, winch 116 is mounted to the approximate midsection point of a standard hitch 120.

[0044] Operation—FIGS. 1, 2, and 6

[0045] Operation of the trailer will now be discussed in connection with FIGS. 1, 2, and 6 beginning with storage of the trailer as shown in FIG. 2. The trailer 10 is stored in the collapsed position horizontally to attain the stowage position in a parallelogram shape. Because the rotating suspension joints 52R and 52L and the collapsible arms 82 and 84 each work in consort to retain the stationary sections 72 in their respective perpendicular and parallel planes; the trailer 10 need not be supported by any other devices such as casters, support beams, or the like. This previously noted prior art deficiency usually resulted in wheel assemblies which were in need of complete detachment or were unable to be stored on the ground after first attaining the stowage position.

[0046] In addition, a substantial conservation of space is provided in this folded position. When the collapsible trailer 10 is moved into its storage position as illustrated at FIG. 2, the trailer is only approximately thirty-six inches high and less that 36 inches deep, varying measurements of width and height being only applicable accordingly with the tires (not shown) chosen by the manufacturer of the device.

[0047] To utilize trailer 10, the device is rolled from storage and the hitch 120 is raised in the direction of arrow A of FIG. 6 so that the hitch is rotated to an approximately ninety-degree angle. As illustrated in FIG. 2 Pin set 12A and 12B are inserted through the front flange 16 through corresponding apertures 18R and 18L ending through apertures 24R and 24L (not shown) of the central longitudinal section 20. Winch 116 is then manipulated to sufficiently release the tension of cable 114, thereby affording opportunity of platform 11 to unfold downwardly. Secondly the operator need only grapple the wheel (not shown) or an outer side of either lateral section 48 or 50 and draw directly away from the center section 20 in order to direct trailer 10 to its load bearing, utility position as illustrated in FIG. 1. Collapsible arms 82 and 84 expand to retain the hubs 70 in their respective perpendicular planes during which rotating suspension joints 52 and 54 permit lateral sections 28 and 30 to rotate within tubing 60 to a descent appropriate for utility. By the same accord, section hinges 26R and 26L flex to allow the sections 28 and 30 to move to an extreme open position, abutting rear flange 22, at central section 20, wherein the surfaces of adjoining sections 20, 28, and 30 are substantially coplanar and ready for use, as illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0048] Referring to FIG.2 and 6, in order to fold trailer 10, the operator need only crank winch 116, mounted to a standard hitch 120, resulting subsequently in a drawing of a cable 114 applying a taut force to the previously noted “block and tackle” formation comprised of pulleys 112A and 112B. This motion will result in sufficient pressure required to draw stationary sections 72 to a side by side proximity. At the same intervening time, collapsible arms 82 and 84 are compressed to permit movement of hubs 70, and their corresponding stationary sections 72, respectively.

[0049] It should be noted that the inventor has stipulated that section hinges 26R and 26L be affixed in such a manner as to allow both sections 28 and 30 to point downwardly at an angle of approximately 175 degrees, thus ensuring that an upward ascent of force will be employed when drawing cable 114. In construction it has been found that if section hinges 26R and 26L were joined to sections 28 and 30 and thereby retaining the platform 11 in a coplanar horizontal angle of 180 degrees would subsequently render undesirable force to the central section 20 of trailer 10. The cable 114 when drawn would apply considerable pressure to the exterior central section 20 and would therefore be unable to engage hinges 26R and 26L, and consequently be unable to permit movement of lateral sections 28 and 30.

[0050] As the arms 82 and 84 are compressed, central section 20 ascends as rotating suspension joints 52R and 52L allow sections 28 and 30 movement via tubing 60 to a suitable position for trailer 10 stowage position as seen in FIG. 2. Cylindrical flanges 64A and 64B abut central section 20, thus stopping lateral sections 28 and 30 as they travel to the storage position. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 6 the operator then removes pins 12A and 12B from front flange 16 and lowers hitch 120. Trailer 10 may then be readied for stowage by wheeling the unit to its desired storage area, garage, or the like.

[0051] Conclusions, Ramifications, and Scope

[0052] Thus the reader will see that the collapsible integrant of the trailer provides a highly reliable, easily storable, yet convenient and durable platform which may be quickly and easily collapsed for storage. Furthermore the trailer has additional advantages in that

[0053] it permits the production of collapsible trailers in a variety of sizes whose platform is capable of sustaining great weights;

[0054] it allows the trailer to be collapsed for storage without the need to detach various panels, wheel assemblies, or the like and consequently sacrifice ease of use by a consumer; and

[0055] it provides a trailer with a superior platform upon which one may transport cargo items of ponderous size yet whose platform is able to provide a substantial conservation of space when stowed.

[0056] While the above description contains much specificity, these should not be construed as limitations on the application of the invention, but rather as an illustration by example of one preferred embodiment thereof. Several other variations are possible. For example, the above embodiment utilizes two longitudinal sections hingely mounted to a third central section. This is by of means example and the invention functions equally as well utilizing as few as two sections without the third central section. Additionally, the collapsible trailer may also be constructed as a doubled or tripled axle design in consort with their respective arms, not just a single axle design used by way of example. Lastly, the trailer may be easily converted to accommodate ramps or a back gate providing these are affixed sectionally so as not to impede operation of the embodiment.

[0057] It will be accordingly seen that the objects stated forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are attained and, since particular alterations may be made to the above description without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter within the above description or illustrated in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. 

I claim:
 1. A collapsible trailer having a platform comprising: a first and second pair of longitudinal sections; a third center section hingely mounted to said pair of longitudinal sections so that the platform is pivotally between an open position, whereby longitudinal sections extend horizontally in the same plane, and a closed position whereby the platform is in folded relation and longitudinal sections do not extend and instead retract vertically in side-by-side relation; a pair of wheel suspension means mounted below and extending laterally from said longitudinal sections for supporting the trailer in its open and closed positions; and each end of said central section having a front and rear flange adapted to abut against said longitudinal sections in their load carrying position, said front flange of both longitudinal sections overlapping across the central section of the platform, said rear flange of both longitudinal also overlapping across said central section of the platform, a cylindrical shaped flange secured under each of said longitudinal sections and adapted to abut against the said central section when the platform is in its closed position, a means for extending and retracting said longitudinal sections when the platform is in its open and closed positions, a support member on each distal end of said longitudinal sections, the said members adapted to abut against said rear flange when the platform is in its load bearing position, a suspension joint axially aligned with and fixed around each of said longitudinal sections, each of the said suspension joints fixed to an axle below said longitudinal sections, each said axle having an arm pivotally mounted to said axle under the platform, each end of said arms pivotally secured by a bracket, said arms being connected to be pivotable between an open position wherein they extend horizontally in the same general plane and the ends of the arms form a predetermined apex under said platform, and a closed position wherein the arms instead compress in collapsed relation yet still form a predetermined apex; means for rotating said arms and for maintaining the said axles and said suspension means in the same plane, a hub and a wheel suspension means axially aligned with and fixed at each of the said suspension joints below said longitudinal section, and a towing means fixed to said platform for pulling said trailer.
 2. trailer as recited in claim 1, wherein the said means for rotating said arms comprise kingpins secured in said bracket and said axle extending through openings in said bracket and said axle for maintaining said suspension means and said axles in the same plane.
 3. a trailer as recited in claim 1, wherein the said means for pulling said trailer comprises a hitch hingeably mounted on said central section to move in a plane substantially parallel to the platform.
 4. A trailer as recited in claim 1, wherein the said means for extending and retracting said longitudinal sections comprise a pair of pulleys affixed to said axles and a cable directed through said pulley to connect to a said axle for directing the said longitudinal sections when said platform is in open and closed positions. 